And the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. ~ Luke 22:2
When we’re driven by our emotions, we act and react in strange and inappropriate ways. In 1 Samuel 22, we first see Saul sitting under a tree with spear in hand, (v. 6). In reading this chapter, I can see that he was very much driven by his emotions, with anger as the most predominant. In his rage, he commanded those around him to kill his priests, (vv. 16-18).
I am discovering the powerful effects of emotions. In the third trimester of my pregnancy, I’ve seen my hormones effect my emotions. Something at work upset me and as I was driving home, I was still quite upset. Fortunately, I had a sound enough mind that I could logically question my reaction the situation: was I reacting to due to stress, due to lack of sleep, due to hormones, due to pride, or a combination? I’m glad that instead of reacting emotionally, I wisely decided to deal with it another day, as I didn’t think I could react in a calm manner.
David knew that Saul was pursuing him to kill him. Instead of reacting emotionally, as Saul did, David said, “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:4). When situations come upon us and others react emotionally all around us, we must be like David and turn our trust to God, focusing on Him and not how we feel inside.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. ~ Psalm (56:13)
Heatherpotts5
Sixty-six books in a year 